focus on low vision
Making Low Vision ACCESSIBLE
by Michael R. Politzer, OD, FAAO, FCOVD
The low vision profession is a unique time in its history. With the growth of the aging population, low vision practices are positioned for expansion and tremendous opportunity. As an optometrist specializing in low vision, it's a rewarding feeling to know that I am able to contribute to the improved quality of life and independence of my patients.
Having been in the low vision field for 35 years, I know that taking the first step is often the hardest thing to do. Fortunately, The Vision Council's Low Vision Division is working to help eyecare professionals who are interested in practicing low vision get started and to educate consumers about low vision.
"MAGNIFY YOUR FUTURE"
Since its introduction in 2004, over 500 eyecare professionals have been introduced to the low vision field through "Magnify Your Future." A comprehensive education program, "Magnify Your Future" introduces eyecare professionals to the field of low vision with:
• Case studies
• Practical, efficient, and clinically relevant protocol for evaluating the low vision patient
• Seminars on reimbursement, among other significant topics
• "You Can Do a Low Vision Exam," a video designed to demystify the low vision exam
| Quick Tips |
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| In 2008, The Low Vision Division of The Vision Council has reached more than nine million consumers with messages about low vision. |
"LEARN, WATCH, DO"
Understanding the need for real world experience, the Low Vision Division created the "Learn, Watch, Do" program, a free low vision eyecare professional mentoring program for those who have completed the "Magnify Your Future" education program.
Through this creative program, seasoned low vision eyecare professionals from across the country host eyecare professionals interested in the low vision area to give them on-the-job training and follow-up support.
EYE ON LOW VISION
To help increase consumer and patient low vision awareness, the Low Vision Division created Eye on Low Vision, an eight-page magazine that offers information on low vision and low vision devices in an advertisement-free format. To date, over 1,100 practices have ordered more than 25,000 copies of this publication for their patients.
| Summit Focuses on LOW VISION |
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| Earlier this year, the Low Vision Division also participated in the second annual Vision Summit, "2008: Focus on Low Vision." Sponsored by The Better Vision Institute and held at the Press Club in Washington, D.C., the event brought together 50 thought leaders in the low vision community for a day-and-a-half summit focusing on the importance of the category, and how the three Os, as well as major institutions and associations, can work together to ensure that Americans have access to all the services that are—and will become—available in low vision. Attendees, including practicing ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians, as well as researchers, educators, manufacturers, association executives, occupational therapists, policy experts, and even two patients who shared heart-wrenching stories of vision loss, participated in roundtable, networking, and panel discussions, as well as brainstorming breakout sessions. |
CONSUMER OUTREACH
The Low Vision Division has spearheaded efforts to inform consumers about low vision and the resources and devices available to them.
Over the course of this year, the division has reached more than nine million consumers with messages about low vision in print publications and through a radio media tour, which aired on 1,100 stations and featured The Vision Council's CEO, Ed Greene.
In addition, the group has also established a relationship with AARP to discuss promoting low vision to its members.
To learn more about these educational opportunities and efforts, as well as other resources offered by The Vision Council, visit www.thevisioncouncil.org. EB
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